Enriched Motor Program [EMP]: Adaptation of a Physical Activity Intervention for Enhancing Executive Functions in...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Developmental Psychology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) may enhance executive functions (EFs) in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• The Enriched Motor Program (EMP), combining aerobic and cognitive exercises, shows potential for improving EFs in children with ASD.
• This study adapts a shorter EMP version for children with ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To adapt and evaluate a shorter version of the Enriched Motor Program (EMP).
• To investigate the impact of EMP on executive functions (EFs) in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional, quasi-experimental design.
• Sample: 40 children aged 6-8 years with ASD.
• Intervention: Adapted Enriched Motor Program (EMP).
• Outcome measures: Working memory and inhibitory control, assessed pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The experimental group is expected to show improvements, particularly in working memory tasks.
• This study is the first to implement EMP, merging physical activity with cognitive stimuli for ASD.

Conclusions:

• The adapted EMP offers a novel approach to enhance EFs in children with ASD.
• This program could be utilized by clinicians and specialized centers as a best practice for EF interventions in children with ASD.